Organizational culture considers many aspects of the work environment. It is comprised of common and in some cases, unique elements that employees can see for themselves and others that are observable or unnoticeable by those who are not a part of that work culture. Culture is typically defined as the way of life of a people and usually includes elements like music, food, dress, language, practices etc. In this context, organizational culture are those things that define how business is conducted and how individuals interact in an organization. “Organizational culture is the sum of values and rituals which serve as ‘glue’ to integrate the members of the organization.” — Richard Perrin. (Michael Watkins 2013).
What Are The Elements Of An Organization's Culture?
To identify the elements of organizational culture we have to look at the things that are done repeatedly within the workplace and how they are done. This may include the work structure, processes, incentives (monetary or non-monetary), rules and sanctions, individual and collective behavior and other beliefs on ethics that make sense on a collaborative level to fit the perspective of the organization in enhancing its effectiveness.
Promoting Critical Awareness Of Company Culture
To promote critical awareness of culture among its personnel, an organization should ensure that it communicates what it expects from employees. Implementing programs and strategies that strengthen and support the core values of an organization are vital to promoting its culture. This can be done through:
Monthly Workshops
Conflict Resolution Seminars
Organizational Cultural Training
Meetings etc.
According to SHRM “HR professionals have many tools for developing and sustaining a high-performance organizational culture, including hiring practices, on-boarding efforts, recognition programs and performance management programs.” While it is important to create cultural awareness, it is also important to follow-up with practices to help the culture to thrive.
Cultural Awareness and Organizational Success
Yes, cultural awareness does play a role in organizational success. Since an organization requires a collective effort to achieve its objectives, it is important for everyone to be on the same page. If the global organization in the 21st century wants to successful then yes, it is obligated to provide its employees with the opportunity to become more culturally sensitive or increase their cultural awareness through an understanding of the cultural system of values, assumptions, and symbols.
According to SHRM “in today's organizations, a global mindset is crucial, no matter where an employee is located." Therefore, employees need to express and be aware of the differences in cultural and work backgrounds that they might encounter in order to function cohesively. “Employees work virtually across borders via technology, they work with a variety of ethnicities at home, and they interact with a globally dispersed customer base. So, a global mindset and skills are necessary for all employees.” (SHRM 2015). The evidence of cultural awareness should be seen and felt throughout an organization in the way tasks are carried out and the behaviors and attitudes of employees. This therefore makes cultural awareness a key ingredient to organizational success.